Chromium Supplements: Benefits, Side Effects, and Where to Buy

Have you heard of Chromium? For most of us, the answer is: probably not. Although less famous than other dietary essentials like Iron and Zinc, Chromium plays a necessary part in human nutrition. Chromium helps the body use insulin to properly convert glucose into energy, and is a crucial component of several metabolic processes that fuel our brains and muscles.

Unfortunately, nearly 90% of Americans don’t get enough Chromium in their diets. As an increasing number of studies indicate that regular Chromium supplementation can help control blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity, interest in this mineral is growing. 

What does Chromium do? 

In nutrition, Chromium is what’s known as a trace element or trace mineral. These are essential compounds that are present in the human body in tiny amounts (usually less than 100mg/day). Most of us are familiar with trace elements such as Iron, Copper, and Iodine, but others, such as Chromium and Selenium, tend to slip through the cracks. 

In the body, Chromium assists the function of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar and transforms food into energy. Chromium may also assist in the conversion of fats and proteins into energy within the body.

Several studies have indicated a link between Chromium and lowered cholesterol levels, triglycerides (fat in the blood), insulin sensitivity, and weight management. Chromium may help individuals who find themselves locked in the rush-and-crash cycle of sugar dependence, or who are experiencing dysbiosis or leaky gut  from excessive sugar intake. 

Benefits of Chromium Supplements

Chromium may be helpful for individuals with the following conditions:

Diabetes

Although the clinical literature is not yet conclusive, a number of studies indicate that Chromium supplements can help improve blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals as well as individuals with diabetes.

One frequently cited study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture found that low Chromium diets were associated with poor glucose tolerance, and that Chromium supplement resulted in significantly improved insulin sensitivity.

Obesity and Weight Loss

Some studies indicate that Chromium can help boost weight loss and metabolic function. While not a replacement for exercise and healthy eating, Chromium supplements might be a good choice for a weight loss supplement stack to help give your body the extra push it needs to lose weight. 

Cholesterol

According to a 2020 study published in Clinical Nutrition Research, participants with Type 2 Diabetes who took Chromium supplements saw significant improvement in their cholesterol levels, especially unhealthy LDL cholesterol associated with heart disease. 

Chromium Supplement Side Effects

In general, Chromium is well-tolerated, with few significant side effects. However, as with any supplement, some individuals may occasionally experience side effects. 

Side effects of Chromium supplements include: 

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Changes in mood
• Irregular heartbeats

Chromium may increase the risk of kidney disease and liver disease. If you have either of these conditions, please consult with a doctor before adding a Chromium supplement to your wellness  regimen. Chromium is not recommended for individuals who are nursing or pregnant. 

Chromium may interact with the following medications: Metformin, insulin, and other diabetes medications. Antacids, acid reflux medications, corticosteroids, beta blockers, thyroid medications like levothyroxine and NSAID medications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of combining cinnamon and Chromium? 

Like Chromium, the common spice cinnamon has been studied for its effects on blood sugar, cholesterol, and several additional markers of metabolic health. Several studies have shown that consuming 4g of cinnamon per day may help improve fasting glucose levels in individuals with obesity and prediabetes. This has led some to consider combining cinnamon with Chromium for improved glucose control.

Because both cinnamon and Chromium can significantly lower blood sugar, we recommend exploring this combination under the guidance of a medical professional. 

What are the benefits of combining Chromium and Vanadium? 

Vanadium is a trace mineral that can improve glucose-uptake in cells. Essentially, Vanadium mimics the effects of insulin in the body. Much like Chromium, Vanadium has been studied for its impact on blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity. While Vanadium is present in foods such as mushrooms and shellfish, many people struggle to get enough in their diets, leading to increased interest in vanadium supplements. 

Combining Chromium and Vanadium may help lower cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and control blood sugar levels; however, as with any change to supplements or medications, you should speak with a doctor to make sure Chromium and Vanadium are right for you. 

Where to buy Chromium Supplements? 

Looking to buy Chromium supplements to help manage blood sugar or boost insulin sensitivity? We offer Standard Process Diaplex® in our shop. Standard Process Diaplex® contains 157% DV of Chromium derived from natural, whole food sources for optimal effectiveness. 

We also offer Standard Process Chromium Complex (formerly known as Cataplex® GTF), an organic supplement that contains Chromium and niacin to support healthy blood sugar levels and carbohydrate metabolism.